Carlos Tevez chooses Disney World over World Cup

Carlos Tevez: Family time. Picture: Getty

MASSIMO MARZOCCHI

Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has revealed he will be at Disney World with his family when Argentina compete at the World Cup this summer.

Despite being Juve’s top scorer with 18 league goals this season, Tevez is unlikely to be included in Argentina’s squad for the top tournament in Brazil.

“I don’t think I will watch my national team play at the World Cup,” Tevez said to Cronica.com.ar. “I’ve already bought tickets to go with my wife and my three children to Disney World.

“They deserve that trip and I have very clear in my mind where my place is. I will nevertheless be Argentina’s number one fan. My candidates for the title are Argentina, Brazil and Germany in that order.

“I nevertheless don’t think I will be able to watch the games because that would make me very nervous and be nostalgic.”

The 30-year-old Tevez did play for Argentina at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups but has not featured for the Albiceleste since missing a penalty that saw his national team lose to Uruguay in the quarter-finals of the 2011 Copa America.

The former Manchester United and Manchester City player holds no grudge against national team coach Alejandro Sabella.

“We [Tevez and Sabella] were together during my time in Brazil when I was at Corinthians [Sabella was assistant coach to Daniel Passarella],” Tevez said. “We had a fantastic rapport. We never had any problems and our relationship was cordial and very good.

“Everyone asks me why I’m not in the team but I cannot answer that question because I would be lacking respect. Things are as they are and that’s that.

“I was told that in Buenos Aires there were people asking for me to be considered for the World Cup and I thank them for their support but I tell them that they should let the coach make his own decisions because that will give security to the team that ends up going to Brazil.

“I think he [Sabella] is convinced of his selection and that’s very good.

“If he has to win, he will do so with his convictions and he shouldn’t do something he doesn’t feel is right.

“It wouldn’t be good for him to select me now!

“I have not been part of the group and I don’t want that if they have to select me it’s down to someone putting pressure on him.

“My wife asked me to travel to Disney with the children and I want to give her that joy once I win the scudetto with Juventus.”

Tevez, whose goals have helped Juve remain on course for a third straight league title, has brushed aside speculation of a disagreement with compatriot and Barcelona star Leo Messi.

“I don’t know where they have come up with that nonsense,” he said. “Everyone publishes that but the truth is that with Messi I have a fantastic relationship.

“We’ve shared moments, training sessions, games and we never had a difference of opinions. He is a wonderful person and very educated.

“This should be his World Cup and I wish that for him from the bottom of my heart because he is a marvellous player.

“He and Cristiano [Ronaldo], whom I played with at Manchester United, are the best players in the world.”